Santa Clarita, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash rule
- Chain/leash, max 6 feet
- Where it applies
- Streets, public places, others' property
- Ranch exception
- Sec. 8.32.030, owner's undeveloped land
- Attack dog rule
- 5-ft fence required, Sec. 8.32.020
- Penalty
- Infraction under Sec. 8.04.060(A)
Summary
Santa Clarita prohibits letting a dog run loose on any street, public place or private property that isn't the owner's, under Section 8.32.010. A dog off its own property must be restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and under the control of a competent person.
No person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any dog shall cause, permit or allow the same to be or to run at large upon any highway, street, lane, alley, court, or other public place, or upon any private property or premises other than those of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of such dog, in the City, unless such dog be restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and is in the charge, care, custody, or control of a competent person.
Full Breakdown
32 "Animals Running at Large," provides that no person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any dog shall cause, permit or allow it to be or run at large upon any highway, street, lane, alley, court, or other public place, or upon any private property other than that of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of the dog, unless the dog is restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and is in the charge, care, custody, or control of a competent person.
030 allows dogs to run loose on a ranch or similar undeveloped property with the owner's permission, as long as a competent person keeps the dog under reasonable control, though an unspayed female in her copulative season is excluded from that exception. 020 requires them to be confined to areas fenced or walled to at least five feet even on their own owner's property. 060(A).
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run loose off a leash or chain, whether on a public street or on someone else's property, violates Section 8.32.010 and is enforced as an infraction under Section 8.04.060(A). Repeated at-large incidents can also support denial or revocation of an unaltered dog license under Section 8.20.360(A)(2), and a dog that repeatedly gets loose can be declared a public nuisance under Section 8.40.065.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog's leash be in Santa Clarita?
Can my dog run loose on my own property?
What happens if my dog keeps getting loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
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